Global Alert and Response (GAR)

Menu

2000 - Staphylococcal food intoxication in Japan

On 10 July, the Ministry of Health and Welfare
reported a total of 13 809 cases of food poisoning in 8 western states. Of 180 cases
requiring hospitalization, 17 were still in hospital.

The source of the outbreak was found to be 3 different
kinds of milk which had been contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus in a
production-line valve, at a major dairy-products processing plant in Osaka. Those affected
suffered diarrhoea and vomiting due to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin after
drinking low-fat milk.

The local authorities have ordered the company to recall
all products which might have been contaminated.